In the classroom, Koutarou Haibara was teaching with his usual infectious enthusiasm, while Dream Weaver, seated in the front row, buried her face in her hands, utterly mortified.
She knew herself to be the rational type, usually—but once her emotions were stirred, she became capable of the unimaginable. Whether it was standing up to T.M. Opera O after being provoked, or the words she'd spoken yesterday at the Kasamatsu Racecourse—it was all the result of her emotions boiling over.
Logic told her she ought to race a few local competitions after her debut, establish some wins, and then naturally transition to the central circuit. That way, she'd have access to better training facilities and a more professional trainer.
But emotion had led her to declare boldly, in front of everyone, that she would break into the central league and tear those elite schools down from their champion thrones.
Not that it mattered much—it just raised the difficulty level, and Dream Weaver was already used to fighting for victory under pressure.
No, what really mattered were those words she'd said to T.M. Opera O yesterday!
She'd said similar things to King Halo and Dancing Brave during her first scripted mission, but that was when she knew the mission was nearly over. Combined with the pressure from T.M. Opera O, it had allowed her to focus entirely on winning.
But now was different. The mission had only just begun; she'd just debuted yesterday. The thought of having to spend a long time with everyone at Kasamatsu Tracen Academy made her break out in a cold sweat. Even the gaze she felt from above seemed to grow more intense.
"Dream Weaver! What are the two premier races known as the 'Crowns of Kasamatsu'?"
Hearing her name, Dream Weaver reluctantly stood up and looked at Koutarou Haibara, whose demeanor was completely different from yesterday.
"The Tokai Derby and the Tokai Kikuka-shō—one is 1900 meters on dirt, the other 2600 meters on dirt."
"Absolutely correct! As expected of you, ahahahaha!"
After hearing her answer, Koutarou laughed heartily and patted Dream Weaver on the shoulder, signaling she could sit back down.
As she settled into her seat, Dream Weaver felt a poke from behind. She turned to see Artisan Bell holding a Uma Musume magazine, her eyes shining brightly.
"Hey, Dream, I did some research last night—I think the DK-MudX horseshoes would suit you perfectly!"
"The deep tread gives better traction, the thicker design reduces impact on hard tracks, and most importantly, they're super durable. One pair will last you ages!"
"Let's check them out at the store after school! I know a great place!"
Looking at Artisan Bell's excited expression, Dream Weaver could only smile and nod.
But wouldn't the teacher notice her talking so loudly in class? With that thought, Dream Weaver glanced toward Principal Haibara, only to find him smiling and giving her a thumbs-up.
Dream Weaver smacked her forehead. Expecting Principal Haibara to step in had been wishful thinking.
Feeling the burning expectation radiating from Haibara's eyes and listening to Artisan Bell's ongoing chatter about gear, Dream Weaver somehow made it through the unbearably awkward class.
But just as she tried to slip out of the classroom to avoid everyone, Sumire Nanno—who'd been watching her from nearby—signaled to her two companions with a tilt of her chin. Before Dream Weaver could react, the two Uma Musume had grabbed her, holding her in place.
Surrounded by their body heat, Dream Weaver looked up to see the tall Makusa Nishimoto smiling down at her, while the pink-haired Kobayashi Kazé puffed out her cheeks and clung to Dream Weaver's legs.
"You think you can just run away after what you did yesterday?"
Sumire Nanno sat on Dream Weaver's desk, poking her cheek with an expression of mock disbelief.
"I just wanted to get some fresh air—it's not running away. And all I did yesterday was say a few words! Don't make it sound so weird!"
Trapped between the three, Dream Weaver offered a weak smile. Held firmly in place, she couldn't even raise her hands in surrender.
"Cut the crap. I've been watching you. You totally want to flee to the Amazon rainforest and pray that time makes everyone forget what happened because you're so embarrassed by what you said!"
Sumire Nanno tugged at Dream Weaver's cheek, looking immensely pleased with herself.
"You're way too observant."
"I don't remember you being like this yesterday."
A drop of cold sweat trickled down Dream Weaver's temple as she looked at Sumire's smug expression, her tone defeated.
"Well, you brought this on yourself."
Sumire turned away, deliberately adopting a playful, teasing tone.
"After everything we've been through…"
"Heartless, boo hoo…"
The two Uma Musume holding Dream Weaver picked up on Sumire's act and chimed in with similarly exaggerated tones.
"You can joke around all you want, but don't go spreading rumors!"
Dream Weaver had expected some odd looks after her declaration yesterday, but she never imagined these guys would make her sweat bullets to this extent.
Growing desperate, she craned her neck, scanning the classroom for help. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Artisan Bell lingering at the edge of the crowd.
"Bell, you were there yesterday—back me up here!"
But instead, Artisan Bell lowered her head, shoulders shaking as if holding back tears, and recited:
"Kasamatsu Racecourse, Smooth-talking big fool, Forgot yesterday's words!"
Dream Weaver was almost amused despite her frustration—Artisan Bell was even throwing haikus at her now.
Seated on the desk, Sumire Nanno smirked, watching Dream Weaver as if asking what she had to say for herself now.
Gritting her teeth, Dream Weaver's eyes darted around the classroom. If Bell had turned traitor, she needed to find someone else to save her.
Soon, she spotted that short, round figure trying to sneak out the door.
"Gah! Principal, save me!"
But Koutarou Haibara turned back with an exaggerated, lovelorn expression, gazing mournfully at Dream Weaver.
"But that's not what you said yesterday—"
With that, he pulled the door open and made to leave, as if heartbroken—though Dream Weaver clearly saw a mischievous grin spread across his round face.
"You old fox!"
Seeing Koutarou betray her expectations once again, Dream Weaver squirmed angrily in Kazé and Makusa's grip.
"Hehe, no use struggling now. No one's coming to save you."
Sumire Nanno hummed triumphantly, then waved to her two lackeys.
"Minions, take Dream Weaver to the training field!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
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T/N: I really tried by best to find out what the Tokai Kikuka Sho was, but couldn't find out.
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T/N: To the recommendation of one of my readers, I am somewhat pleased to announce that I have another Uma Musume fanfiction up!
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.